The liver is an essential organ of the body located in the upper right of the abdomen beneath the rib cage. It performs important body functions such as removing toxic or foreign substances from the bloodstream, creating essential nutrients, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Nowadays, fatty liver disease is becoming the most common condition worldwide.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in more than 5% of the total weight of your liver. Over time, it can lead to scarring (cirrhosis).
There are two main types of fatty liver disease:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): It is the most common type, which is also used to be called metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease: It is caused by drinking too much alcohol.
Symptoms :
Usually, fatty liver disease does not show symptoms, but people may have the following symptoms:
- Generally feel unwell or tired
- Lose weight
- Pain in the upper right of the abdomen
Signs that you have a serious condition:
- Dark urine and stools
- Blood vomits
- Swollen abdomen
- Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
- Itchy skin
Causes & risk factors:
- Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance)
- High cholesterol
- Overweight or obese, especially around the abdomen
- Drinking too much alcohol
- PCOS in women
Preventive measures:
- A healthy lifestyle, diet, and avoiding added sugars
- Moderate exercise for 30 minutes daily
- Maintain optimal blood sugar levels
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain optimal cholesterol levels
- Quit alcohol consumption and smoking